Squad – Jamie, Leo, TJ, Andrew, Arun, Flint, Josh, Hugo
Clissold Rangers reached the semi-final after a gruelling league competition of 6 matches in the blazing sunshine (1-1, 3-0, 0-1, 1-0, 2-0, 0-0). The boys played some marvellous football including one perfect sweeping move down the right which started with a head height throw out by Hugo and ended with Arun scoring with a first-time half-volley from the cross. Highlight performances included Andrew dominating central midfield in the early games, a succession of fine saves in a variety of situations by Jamie, Arun running with the ball at warp speed, TJ scoring some tremendous goals in two successive matches and a 0-0 draw (after we missed several chances in a one sided game) which ended with the other team hitting both posts with a shot and then missing the rebound! Sometimes I do feel sorry for our parents!
In the semi-final we beat the league round winners Belsize 2-0 in what the competition organiser described as the best display he had ever seen from an Under 9 side.
So perhaps, our boys were just a little too tired to take on the home team The Hill in the final just five minutes later. The Hill are well named because some of them looked like our Under 11s and they were the only team to beat us in the league round! But after a slow start when we conceded a soft goal, we came back strongly to create a succession of chances. Unfortunately, we could not convert any despite finishing with everyone in attack. I almost put Jamie in attack for a corner. And as so often happens we paid the price in the dying seconds when The Hill scored a second on the break to secure their win.
So as usual there is plenty to be proud of and to build on next week and next season.
At the presentation of medals, the boys received a special thank you from the organisers for helping to make the tournament such a success. We asked one of the organisers (who had watched the semi-final) to do our Man of the Tournament presentation (which was meant to be for TJ) but he took it upon himself to give it to ‘midget man’ Leo.
But we all know the marvellous attacking football and resilient defence (just 3 goals conceded on the day) is a team effort so well done to everyone.
This was our first cup final and we will come back stronger to win the next one.
Last but not least, our thoughts and prayers are with Jamie’s family, with the news that morning that his Grand Dad had passed away. We dedicate the boys efforts on the day to his memory. We know he would have been so proud. And well done Jamie for playing on so well in these circumstances. I am sure your Grand Dad, a keen Clissold Rangers fan, would have been really proud of your performance.
